The Doors: Summer Sun

The Doors posed in 1968 for this artistic photograph that depicts the band sitting in a narrow hallway with Jim Morrison at the end. Behind him a window that provides an impressive view of the sun.

Photo: Flickr

Renaud Verley & Jane Birkin: The Road to Katmandu

Renaud Verley and Jane Birkin co-starred in 1969's "The Road to Katmandu". Their clothes is heavily influenced by the trends and styles of the late 60s; a "Flower Power" look for Jane and a classic multicolored striped shirt paired with jeans for Renaud.



Photo: Flickr

Highlights from Milan S/S 2012

Milan was once again the epicenter of menswear fashion thanks to designers and fashion houses who showed several days ago their collections and ideas for Spring/Summer 2012. This has been one of the best editions in recent years due to the impeccable designs, use of color, varied styles & trends, creativity, and elegance on most of the collections. The aesthetics from 60s and 70s menswear were still present on the runway, yet color blocking made a huge impact as well, not forgetting the presence of new textures, patterns, and combinations.

Zegna was among the first to show its propossals for S/S 2012. A show that isn't only remembered for the classic elegance of its two-button and double breasted jackets in beige, tan, sand, brown, and blue tones; but also for its soundtrack which consisted of songs from the 1969 Italian film "Metti Una Sera a Cena" performed by Ennio Morricone & Florinda Bolkan.

Canali once again delivered an impressive collection, one of my personal favorites. It started with classic Italian linen suits and double breasted jackets, and then transitioned into white tunic shirts, Safari jackets, Hindu inspired shirts and multicolored jackets with eye catching patterns. It was like witnessing the evolution of menswear during the 60s on the runway.

Corneliani had an original jacket with light beige borders, as shown below. Bottega Veneta was inspired by Safari jacket shirts from the early 70s worn by the likes of Yves Saint Laurent. Band of Outsiders featured a "UV" black skinny tie and leather jacket ensemble inspired on musicians like Bob Dylan. Emporio Armani showed what appears to be an original washed linen jacket with matching pants and t-shirt. Moschino paired some t-shirts with formal suits and unique belts.

Umit Benan was one of the most acclaimed designers in Milan with his own collection (shown above) and the collection he designed for Trussardi. Benan's collection was made up of pieces that immediately reminded of the 80s with window pane checks, the use of bright colors such as yellow, and rolled up white jackets like Duran Duran. On the other hand, for Trussardi Benan kept using very bright colors on Safari jackets, double breasted jackets, and striped pants which were an upcoming trend in Milan this season.

Z Zegna confirmed that belted Safari jackets and double breasted jackets were perhaps the most featured items on the Milanese runways. The white suit with blue bordering seems like something Don Johnson would have worn on Miami Vice.

Gucci never disappoints, this time their collection was made up mostly of checkered jackets and suits, original pullovers, and leather bombers. Their dinner jackets were in my opinion their best pieces because of their sophisticated and original designs and patterns.

Ferragamo continued like in past seasons offering a collection that is a must for any well dressed man. Double breasted jackets were still their staple, available in different colors and lengths. Worth remembering are the straw hats worn by some of the models during the show.

Cavalli announced hours before their show via their mood board that their collection was inspired on Gunter Sachs & St. Tropez in the 70s. Indeed it was, but I may add that it also seemed to be inspired on Jim Morrison with those python embellished suede pants, and London's Carnaby Street with their striped pants. Worth noticing are Cavalli's python and leather moccasins.

Dolce & Gabbana was all about "fish nets" over shirts, jumpsuits, and even a suit. Classic ensembles as a black skinny tie suit were present, and original white shirts too.

Calvin Kelin Collection added the futuristic touch to Milan with their metallic/Space Age pieces.

Photos: GQ.com

The Beatles: Greek Summer Style

1967's Summer is remembered by most as the time when "The Summer of Love" happened in San Francisco, yet that same Summer was also an unforgettable one for The Beatles who were travelling around the Greek Isles.

On July 1967, The Beatles and their friends landed on Athens with one thing in mind: visit, explore, and buy an island in the Aegean Sea. The idea had been with the band for more than 3 years already, John Lennon thought it would be a good idea if The Beatles bought a Greek island and lived all together in it. They had made attempts to purchase a guitar shaped island in 1964, but these attempts were unsuccessful.


After landing on Athens, John, Paul, George, & Ringo set sail on yacht to look around islands. The Beatles ended up not buying an island, but their journey across the Aegean was documented on the video for their song "Baby, You're a Rich Man".

A memorable journey not only for the amazing landscapes and views, but for the impressive styles worn by The Beatles during those days. From psychedelic prints, to tunics, ethnic inspired hats, striped shirts, vests, colored pants, and sandals, this video is a defintive guide on what to wear this Summer.



Photo & Video: DmBeatles & Youtube/The Beatles

3 Years, 3 Icons of Retro Vintage Mod Style

For 3 years "Retro Vintage Mod Style" has featured the best of menswear & style from past decades and modern times. Hollywood & European film actors, musicians, photographers, film directors, fashion designers, artists, and even politicians are amongst those icons honored for defining and influencing fashion. Their exceptional taste, creativity, attitude,and originality set them apart from the rest.

After going through all of the posts published during these 3 years, I decided to pick 3 icons with the most number of mentions at "Retro Vintage Mod Style". The "winners" were: Alain Delon, Steve Mc Queen, and James Dean; of course this selection doesn't underestimate the "style genius" from many other icons featured on the blog.


Alain Delon gave a lesson of style to the world when he appeared in memorable films such as: "A Plein Soleil", "La Piscine","Borsalino", and "Girl on A Motorcycle"; wearing linen shirts, impeccable Italian suits, pullovers, and even black frame eyeglasses. Yet one of his best ensembles has to be the one he wore for a lunch at Cannes in 1962. Delon's style is timeless, and a proof of this is him being named in recent years image of the Dior classic "Eau Sauvage".

Steve McQueen, also known as "The King of Cool" has definetly influenced fashion in the last 50 years. From his trademark Persol 649s to his plain white t-shirts, suits, and jackets; McQueen is a style legend. "The Thomas Crown Affair" besides its exceptional plot, was a film that showed Steve McQueen at his best, wearing some of the most elegant and outstanding clothes. On screen or off screen practicing sports, McQueen was always perfectly dressed for the part.

James Dean had a short life and cinema career, yet he achieved more than what he could have ever imagine. His legend is still alive after more than 50 years since his tragic death. A cinema and fashion icon, Dean knew how to make simple clothes look grand. Who can forget the red jacket he wore on "Rebel Without a Cause", his nautical striped sweater, the black coat he wore while walking on a rainy Times Square, or his Tuxedo and eyeglasses look at a dinner with Ursula Andress.

I would really like to thank all of you, my readers, for your continuous support during these 3 years!

Photos: Flickr

Robert Redford: The Great Gatsby

"The Great Gatsby" is one of the most famous novels written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and also the title from one of the best films made in 1974. Set around the Spring-Autumn of 1922, it tells the story of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. A love story that goes back to their years of youth, and has remained alive despite the passing of time; especially for Jay who later became "The Great Gatsby". After meeting again, Jay and Daisy enjoy a brief period of happiness that lasted until a series of unfortunate events took place.

Robert Redford and Mia Farrow played the roles of Gatsby & Daisy on the 1974 film directed by Jack Clayton. A film worth watching not only for its plot, but for its impressive settings and costumes. Redford is seen throughout the film wearing outstanding ensembles that highlight the best of menswear from the early 20s, and that of course could still be worn today. Classic and elegant pieces in different hues: white, navy blue, pink, and gray; a guide on what to wear during the Summer.

The film's opening sequence is one of the best scenes from "The Great Gatsby", as it gives a tour of Gatsby's impressive mansion at Long Island. From the halls and rooms where Gatsby's memorable summer parties took place, passing by his pool and bedroom, to the sound of "What I'll Do".



Photo: Flickr

Mick & Bianca Jagger: A Night at "The Copa"

On October 1976 one of New York City's famed night clubs, The Copacabana or "The Copa" as it was also known, re-opened as a discotheque. To celebrate the occasion a pre-opening party was held in honor of Andy Warhol. John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Mick & Bianca Jagger were among the attendees.

Mick & Bianca proved once more why black is a color that goes well with anything and can be worn at any occasion. They both added some contrast to their ensembles with a horizontal striped shirt; and what appears to be a silk scarf tied on Bianca's neck and her satin belt. It must be remembered that Mick & Bianca Jagger topped best dressed lists and influenced fashion in the 70s.

Photo: Flickr

Franco Nero & Veruschka: Rome 1968

Franco Nero, an Italian actor best remembered for his portrayal of Lancelot in 1966's "Camelot", was visited on set, at the outskirts of Rome, while filming "A Quiet Place in the Country" by Veruschka.

The ensemble worn by Nero reflects some of the popular trends in menswear in 1968: Safari inspired shirt jackets, print scarfs, and belts worn over shirts. On the other hand Veruschka picked for this occasion a classic look with a very modern touch, a bare midriff.



Photo: Ciaovogue

John F. Kennedy Jr. : Leaving New York City With Style

John F. Kennedy Jr. definetly knew how to stylishly leave New York City on a weekend. "John John" perfectly mixed a plain black t-shirt, a pair of khakis, and an original & eye catching striped jacket.



Photo: Flickr

Jean Michel Jarre & Charlotte Rampling: Double Elegance

Jean Michel Jarre & Charlotte Rampling give a lesson of Spring/Summer elegance and style in this photo taken circa 1978. Both wear similar yet different ensembles, Jarre wore what appears to be a belted denim Safari jacket paired with a graphic t-shirt and aviators; while Rampling opted for an embroided leather jacket, a crisp white blouse and aviators as well. A casual and relaxed look, appropiate for any occasion.

Photo: Flickr

Bryan Ferry & Jerry Hall: Slave To White

Bryan Ferry was one of the few who opted for the "Dandy Rocker" look in the 70s. And several decades later, Ferry made this his signature look because it's classic and has never gone out of style.

In 1976 he and his girlfriend at the time, Jerry Hall, posed for a series of photographs in which both wore all white ensembles. Below a photo from this series that is truly a piece of photographic art.



Photo: Flickr

Hugo Boss: Spring/Summer 2011

Hugo Boss shows on its Spring/Summer 2011 campaign why colors such as white, light and navy blue should be worn during this season. Besides being fresh, these colors are a symbol of elegance and good taste.

An ensemble like the one worn by Mark Vanderloo, made up of a navy blue two-button jacket, light blue shirt, matching pocketsquare, and white pants, is a Spring/Summer essential. If the weather's too hot, one can remove the jacket and roll up the shirt's sleeves. Tortoise eyeglasses will add the finishing touch to this sleek and versatile ensemble.


Photo: Hugo Boss

The Who: Swingin' Style

The Who, one of the leading and most popular groups in rock history, played an important role in the evolution of this genre in England during the Swingin' 60s. They influenced, and still influence, with their music many other performers and even created "performing trends" such as destroying their instruments on stage.

But it was not only songs such as "My Generation" that caught the attention of many around the world, their impeccable sense of style also did. The Who showed what fashion was like in London's Carnaby Street, eclectic, creative, and innovative; a fashion revolution.

Below a photo from the band that provides an example of some popular trends from the late 60s: velvet jackets, colorful print scarves, frills, wide lapel jackets, turtlenecks, shaggy haircuts, jackets with applications such as sequins, medallions, and plain t-shirts.


Photo: Flickr